Description

New!  UK events now allow the use of power switches in combat robots, so we’ve made a special version of the Mini Power Switch that uses a custom metric head screw!

Has your robot been lacking a high-current power switch?  Tired of plugging and unplugging the battery during an intense competition?
– Our Mini Switch can be activated with the simple twist of a 2.5mm hex key, and will stay on through intense vibration and high G-force impacts.
– No other switch is as small, lightweight and powerful!
– Read Servo Magazine’s keen review of the Mini Power Switch here: Servo 2013-04 Mini Switch Review.pdf

Specifications:
Material: High-temperature nylon, copper terminals, aluminum screw
Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 6.35mm (0.5 x 0.5 x 0.25in)
Copper terminals: 3.5mm x 1mm (0.138 x 0.04in) extend 6.35mm (0.25in) from switch body
Weight: 2.15grams (0.076oz)

Installation:
Two mounting holes, spaced 7.62mm (0.3in) apart, can pass-through 2mm or 2-56 screws, or can be tapped for 3mm or 4-40 screw threads.

Tip: Connect the battery to the terminal closest to the screw head. The screw head is part of the circuit (constant connection to the far terminal), so this will ensure it is not live when the robot is off.

Allowable soldering temperatures:
350C : continuous
400C : 1min
450C : 12s
480C : 8s

Operation:
To connect the two copper terminals, use a 2.5mm hex wrench to tighten* the screw (clockwise).
(* It does not take a lot of force to make a good connection – just finger-tight. If you are worried about stripping them out then you are using too much force!)
The nylon is undersized to keep the screw from backing out due to vibrations.
One full rotation counterclockwise disconnects power.

On/Off Indicator Label:
Includes a custom-cut label to identify proper on/off direction (in case an event organizer needs to deactivate your robot).

Current Ratings (using 16-gauge wire):
Rated Current: 40A
Burst: 100A for 10 seconds
*Keep in mind that the size of the wire and type of wire insulation is the main limiting factor. More heat is generated in smaller wires and in poor connections. We have tested the switch with 10ga wire and were able to run 95A for 3 minutes.

Temperature Chart (click to enlarge):

*Note that the 16ga wires get uncomfortably hot at 40A and nearly untouchable at 50A – well before the switch gets hot.
So for higher current applications, use heavier wire!